Born and raised in Montauk, James Katsipis is a Montauk and Manhattan based fine art photographer known for his exceptional ocean photography and stunning visual art. As is evident in his work, the sea has been an ever-present inspiration and muse whose influence spans the entirety of his career beginning as early as high school where he learned the basics of photography and developing film- becoming so enthralled that he soon began cutting class to take photos on the beach.
His first assignment came from Eastern Surf Magazine, who had taken notice of his impressive eye for capturing local surfers at the perfect moment. Under the guidance of local photographer Jimmy Wilson, Katsipis was able to hone his craft and develop the techniques that have brought him such impressive acclaim. Experimentation with a variety of different techniques, lighting, and equipment, he eventually found his niche in prioritizing the natural flow of the elements, getting a feel for the environment before he even takes out his camera. As a result of his persistence, patience and willingness to go with the flow, his artwork has flourished as a monument to mankind’s relationship to the ocean, and how it mimics or moves us.
Katsipis’ love & admiration for the ocean extends far beyond his photography – he is an outspoken advocate for Ocean preservation and specifically Montauk’s natural coastline, working with local climate leaders, The Nature Conservancy and Save The Wave East Coast Film Festival to promote environmental conservation. His creative abilities have taken campaigns to the next level and enshrined them as art rather than commercial advertisements.
An explorer by nature, Katsipis has travelled the world as an adventure and surf photographer to capture the action of distant shores. As he travels the globe Katsipis’ immerses himself among remote locales allowing him to express the power of nature, capturing exotic seascapes and coastlines. His fine art photography and commissionable artworks are featured in art galleries, books, media campaigns, and magazines around the world. His travels have made him one of the most renowned action, adventure, and commercial photographers. In partnering with a talented roster of clients including Estee Lauder, La Mer, Donna Karan, Volcom, Montauk Brew Co., Patagonia and Pucci, Katsipis has been able to realize large-scale creative visions establishing him as one of the biggest names in the industry.
The New York Times, The New Yorker, Later Magazine, ESPN, Hamptons Magazine, Eastern Surf Magazine, The East Hampton Star, Surfline, Rolling Stone are some of the prestigious media outlets where his work has been featured. His photography has also been a vital component in the meteoric growth of surfing as a sport. His full-page editorials in these publications have been lauded as examples of how stunning, talent-laden photography belongs in popular print media and amplifies the most relevant stories of our time.
In addition to his ocean photography, James Katsipis is an accomplished portrait photographer. His incredible ability to convey a strong depth of emotion in his subjects and create landscapes that amplify each individual, resulting in inspiring and honest photographs that showcase the wide breadth of his talent.
As a cherished Montauk artist, I’m not sure everyone realized Katsipis’ ability to amaze an audience extends far beyond his gallery exhibitions. His work is widely published in books, fine art media & available to shop for viewers to bring the magic of James Katsipis’ Montauk home with them. In addition to his gallery in town, James Katsipis’ work is exhibited on galleries and museums worldwide.
For additional information, go to www.jameskatsipis.com or @letstaukgrams
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